In truth the hosts had the better of the chances to secure all three points, especially Jonas Olsson, who was first denied from close range by a point-blank Hugo Lloris save, and then headed the resulting corner wide from the edge of the six-yard box.

“We came off disappointed we had not won. It was not part of the plan to go a goal down but we have to be pleased with the way we came back. We have that ability to take the game to good teams and to have the character and confidence to do that is very pleasing,” said Kemp.

“Some weeks it is brilliant, some weeks not so good and some weeks poor. We play some terrific stuff and hopefully they will show that goal for what it is, a quality team goal.”

Kemp, who filled in at the post-match press conference for manager Tony Pulis – who has flu, also praised the impact of goalscorer McLean.

The winger is in his first season at the Hawthorns having joined from Wigan Athletic during the summer.

“I don’t think anyone was doing somersaults when we signed him. Nobody thought he would be a big influence but he has come in and set the tone for the rest of the team with his energy.”